Welcome back, John Farrell

Sox fans have loved John Farrell ever since he first arrived in November 2006. He immediately turned around Josh Beckett (5.01 ERA in '06, 3.27 ERA in '07), helped Jon Lester successfully return from cancer treatment and incorporated new Japanese import Daisuke Matsuzaka (15 wins in his first season in MLB). Oh yeah, and they won the World Series that year with all four starting pitchers winning their games. He could do no wrong.

In October 2010, we were all sad to see him head north to Toronto but could only wish him well. The opportunity to manage his own team was a great opportunity; something he wouldn't get in Boston with the immortal Terry Francona. Of course, September 2011 happened and people started clamoring to bring Farrell back. Toronto would have none of it though so the Bobby Valentine Era happened. Fast forward one year and we finally got our man.

I think this is a great move. It's more than just trying to relive the glory days by bringing back one of the main components but it's bringing in a guy with a lot of skill and knowledge. He knows this team. He is the definition of hitting the ground running. I have complete confidence in John Farrell and in spite of the past two years I am actually looking forward to this coming season.